CHUBB ROCK SITS DOWN WITH DJ MARS TO DISCUSS MIXTAPE HISTORY IN NEW YORK

ATLANTA, GA – November 24, 2014 – After completing a successful KickStarter campaign, DJ Mars, founder of Atlanta’s first DJ Collective, The World Famous SuperFriends, is proud to deliver “The Art Behind The Tape,” the first book dedicated to the history of mixtape culture. The coffee table book, available now, is a compilation of classic mixtape artwork and interviews compiled by Mars and his team of writers Radio One executive Bril Ndaiye and journalists Maurice Garland and TaiSaint-Louis.

The interviews culled for “The Art Behind The Tape” read like a veritable who’s who in Hip-Hop history, with insight by mixtape pioneers including DJ Kid Capri, DJ Clue, Kool DJ Red Alert, and Brucie B; game changers like DJ Drama, Don Cannon and Miami Kaos; and those who have documented and cultivated the game over the years including journalists Reggie Osse (The Combat Jack Show), Jayson Rodriguez (MTV/XXL) and executives Portia Kirkland (DTP) and Orlando McGhee (BME/Warner Bros.). The book takes you on and inside ride with some of the greats who have shaped the genre. With interviews from everyone from Dj Hollywood,Kid Capri,Dj Clue,Red Alert,to graphic designers Miami Kaos,Mfdesigns,Proph Bundy,this book is like no other.

Those that know me know that I have been toying around with this “History of Mixtapes” project for quite some time,” says DJ Mars of the project. “After reading “Bling Bling” and how it told the story of rappers and their jewelry, I started to think about what other Hip-Hop related stories haven’t been told. Very naturally it dawned on me that no one has told the story about the history of mixtapes, especially the cover art. I found that interesting, especially since it’s such a global phenomenon.” Mars drafted a list of DJs and artists whose unique perspectives could bring together the most complete story about the mixtape game. The result is over 200 full-color pages of classic photos from esteemed Hip-Hop photographer Joe Conzo, images from the days of mixtape past and over 90 in-depth, candid interviews from the ones who made it happen.

“The Art Behind The Tape” is being presented in partnership with New Era, Monster Products and New Balance, all of whom have created limited edition custom merchandise to be released in the weeks leading up to the books availability in stores. In anticipation of the project DJ Mars and his team will also be releasing exclusive video content via “The Art Behind The Tape” website and via @artbehindtape on Instagram and Twitter.

Maurice Garland sits down with ATL’s Own Killer Mike to discuss the South’s Mixtape Influence. He talks of the origin of mixtapes with King Edward J, his thoughts on the Mixtape Game Now, & how Texas changed the way he looked at marketing them. Log On to http://www.theartbehindthetape.com for more info